User Reviews

Among the Willows is another independent movie that has many very good moments and a few not so good ones. Overall the movie is entertaining and well made. The music matches the scenes very well and most of the acting is good to very good. The story is really nothing new, but it's still fun to watch unfold.

The story is told from three points of view. Mary Cronon, her grandfather John Williams and her kidnapper, Eli Kilpatrick. The three stories finally merge into a final reckoning but not before a hidden truth about Mary is revealed.

Overall the movie is well shot and acted, although I felt some were better than others. The real treasure is the supporting cast. The three henchmen, Tom, Spence and Hiram, were very good as was Miller and Everett. The saloon girls were adorable. Susie showed wonderful compassion in her relationship with Everett and Mae expertly goes from scared little girl to shotgun totting badass in a couple of heartbeats. Their chemistry together was very enjoyable to watch. Mr. Kilpatrick was excellent as the bully father figure and Emma's scene in a flashback is very emotional. It was fun to see Caryn Richman play such a different role and she nailed it. How could you not smile when she spits on the grave? As for the three main leads this is where it weakens... but just a little. Mary goes happy little girl at her 16th birthday to experiencing tremendously life altering events. Very strong acting chops are required for such a role and although the actress did well enough, her inexperience showed just a little. The first scene where we see Eli was well done but then as the movie goes on, he seems to become more one dimensional. He does redeem himself in the third act with some wonderful scenes with Mary where I could feel his pain. John, I felt was not really up to the standard that was being set around him. He does, although, have a couple of very good efforts in scenes with Miller. They seem to have good on screen chemistry, but overall it felt more like acting instead of investing in the role. The end scene with John and Everett, while was good, could and should have been better.

All that being said and done, I did find this an enjoyable and well made movie. Some up and coming talent mixed in with some seasoned actors is a good recipe. I hope it does well.

The most laughably poorly written, directed and acted movie you'll ever see.

I watched the whole thing because I was trapped in a 15 hour plane ride.

At one point a car drove across the picture in the background and it wasn't even edited out.

The acting is so over the top it makes you wonder if they even did auditions or if they just walked into a church and grabbed a few random people out of the pews. I say church, because one of the main characters goes out of his way to lead a dying friend in the sinners prayer. I laughed out loud.

I don't know which part is worse - the story line - acting - or directing.

If you want a good laugh at a comically poor movie, give it a watch. Otherwise save yourself the time.

I created an account here for the sole purpose of reviewing this movie.

I've never been much of a western movie fan, but this inspiring movie changed my mind. The story was believable and in the fashion of old Hollywood westerns. The action scenes were exciting and well done. The cinematography is beautiful and the music greatly enhanced the plot line (especially in the ending scene). The characters were convincing and their dialogue was well written. The violence was moderate and well-presented. However, the best part was the telling of a longtime friendship that had been lost and was restored. The ending is truly inspirational and very touching. I would highly recommend this movie.

This is a story about an unlikely partnership between two former friends who let a woman get between them.

With a common enemy they overcome their differences to work together on an impossible task with an undeniable spirit.

With time running out the past comes to the surface. This may be the last chance to restore their friendship, but the task at hand is more important.

The writing, directing, cinematography and musical score were well done making this an very enjoyable movie.

The casting did a great job putting together people that worked well together. It's obvious the cast enjoyed working on this project.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves a great western.

This is a realistic depiction of some of the things that happened in the old west where lawlessness prevailed. The characters were gritty and believable. They kept me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. I was happy to see the touching scenes as well and of course the overall happy ending. Truly a moving film with a good message of hope. I would recommend it to all families especially if you like the old west. Be ready to enjoy good original music and action throughout. The writing and acting is top notch and the cinematography is suburb. If you want to be entertained and inspired, don't miss your chance to see it soon.

Interesting western genre independent movie. Very well made, very well acted. I have seen the last two movies from these guys, Lost Outlaw and Above Snakes, all at their respective premieres and this is by far the best of the three.

It has a good main story, but also has very interesting relationship sub plots. The relationships between Eli Kilpatrick (nicely played by Tyler Tuck) and his father (wonderfully played by Jim Tuck), between Mr. Kilpatrick and his grandson, between John Williams (David Novak) and Everett Stolls (Jeffrey Smith) and even the two saloon girls (Sparkle Soojian and. Akilah M.) are intertwined into the main plot.

Much of the cast has good to very good chemistry with each other but I felt Eli and his father, and Everett and Susie had the best parings. I could feel the tension leap off the screen when Eli and Mr. Kirkpatrick shared the screen. I also felt a true tenderness between Susie and Everett which was unique because there was an obvious age difference between the two actors. Nonetheless they pulled it off and made it believable.

The overall story is slightly predictable but it works in this situation. The music was on point especially at the end where a slight heartbeat can be heard during a touching scene.

It did have some (sometimes not so subtle) references to a higher deity but it's not shoved in your face and I didn't mind it.

Most of the acting was good but the standouts I've already mentioned. Overall it's was an enjoyable hour and a half spent watching a well made and acted independent movie.

Nicely done! Love how the story unfolded and the characters were developed. Held my attention! Enough conflict to make it interesting to the viewers and keep you guessing. The use of flashbacks was helpful but not overdone. Beautiful scenery. Good costuming. Reflected the times nicely. The screenplay was well done and consistent with the lexicon of the times but still understandable to a modern audience. Especially found the relationship between John and his old friend Everett poignant. Eli's part was well played. The role of the bartender was significant. The manner and dress of the women of the time was very good. Nice to see a faith film as a western too!